higher aspirations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "higher aspirations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing goals, ambitions, or desires that are elevated or more significant than the ordinary. Example: "She always encouraged her students to pursue higher aspirations in their academic and personal lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hypothesis 1b: Future migrants have higher aspirations than non-migrantsbecause of a unique capacity or disposition for'super-aspirations'.

IZA Journal of Migration

"Higher aspirations," he said.

The New York Times

He has higher aspirations.

The New York Times - Sports

He harbored higher aspirations.

The New Yorker

But Andy had higher aspirations.

The New York Times - Food

But Mr. Luo had higher aspirations.

The New York Times

But Sattelberger had much higher aspirations.

Harvard Business Review

But those who loved the ondes martenot had higher aspirations.

The New York Times - Arts

Thankfully, Kennedy Airport serves those with higher aspirations.

The New York Times - Travel

It appears Brown has higher aspirations than his current seat.

The Washington Post

April Phillips, a senior forward, has higher aspirations.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "higher aspirations", consider the context. It's most effective when describing ambitions that exceed ordinary expectations, suggesting a strong drive for self-improvement or significant achievement. Use it to inspire and motivate, setting a tone of ambition and possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "higher aspirations" in excessively formal or stilted writing. While appropriate in many situations, overuse can make your writing sound unnatural. Opt for simpler, more direct language like "ambitious goals" when suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "higher aspirations" functions as a noun phrase, where "higher" modifies the noun "aspirations". Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically sound and commonly used. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, denoting elevated ambitions or goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "higher aspirations" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies elevated goals and ambitions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. While alternatives like "loftier goals" or "greater ambitions" can be used for variety, "higher aspirations" remains a strong and effective way to communicate a desire for significant achievement and self-improvement. When crafting your writing, consider the context and audience to ensure that your language aligns with the level of formality you need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loftier goals

Replaces 'aspirations' with 'goals' and 'higher' with 'loftier', suggesting a more elevated and ambitious target.

greater ambitions

Substitutes 'aspirations' with 'ambitions' and 'higher' with 'greater', emphasizing the scope and magnitude of the goals.

more ambitious goals

Reorders the phrase and uses "more ambitious" to convey the idea of aspirations being elevated.

elevated ambitions

Replaces 'higher' with 'elevated', conveying a sense of uplifted or superior ambitions.

grander visions

Substitutes both words to convey a more visionary and expansive perspective on goals.

bigger dreams

Replaces 'aspirations' with 'dreams' and 'higher' with 'bigger', making the phrase sound more personal and less formal.

more significant goals

Focuses on the importance and impact of the goals, rather than just their elevation.

increased expectations

Shifts the focus to the expectations one holds, implying a higher standard.

expanded horizons

Metaphorically represents higher aspirations as a widening of one's scope and possibilities.

long-term ambitions

This phrase is about the time that the ambition/aspiration will be pursued in, and might require more steps.

FAQs

How can I use "higher aspirations" in a sentence?

You can use "higher aspirations" to describe someone's ambitions or goals that are beyond the ordinary. For example: "She encouraged her students to have "higher aspirations" in their careers."

What are some alternatives to "higher aspirations"?

Alternatives include "loftier goals", "greater ambitions", or "more ambitious goals", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "higher aspirations" in formal writing?

While "higher aspirations" is generally suitable for formal writing, consider the overall tone. In some cases, simpler phrases like "ambitious goals" may be more effective.

What's the difference between "higher aspirations" and "ambitious goals"?

"Higher aspirations" often implies a broader, more idealistic sense of ambition, while "ambitious goals" tends to focus on specific, achievable objectives. Both phrases suggest a strong desire for achievement, but "higher aspirations" can also encompass personal growth and self-improvement.